Electrical signaling apparatus.



No. 773,326. PATENTBD OCT. 25, 1904. G. A. JUNKENda W. B. TREDWELL.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17. 1904.

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No. 773,326. PATENTED OUT. 25, 1904. G. A. JUNKEN & W. B. TRBDWELL.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17. 1904,

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ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17. 1904.

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No. 773,32e.

UNITED STATES Patented October 25, 1904.

PATENT Price.

CHARLES A. JUNKEN AND WILLIAM B. TREDWELL, OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA; SAID TREDWVELL ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO WILLIAM H. BOYENTON, OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA.

ELECTRICAL SIGNALING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 773,326, dated October 25, 1904.

Application filed Pebruaryl'i, 1904. Serial No. 194,060. (No model.) i

To mZZ whom it mrty concern.-

Be it known thatwe, CHARLES A. J UNKEN and IVILLIAH B. TREDWELL, citizens of the United States, residing at Hampton, in the county of Elizabeth City and State ofVirginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Signaling Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

Our present invention pertains to improvements in electrical signaling apparatus, and more particularly to range-finders: the construction and advantages of which will be hereinafter set forth, reference being had to the annexed drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is atop plan diagrammatic view of the apparatus, portions being shown in section to more clearly illustrate certain structural features; Fig. 2, a sectional view of the apparatus at the battery-station, taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a similar view of the apparatus of the primary station, taken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4:, a horizontal sectional view on the line L I, Fig. 2; Fig. 5, a vertical sectional View on the line 5 5 of Fig. 1; Fig. 6, a similar view on the line 6 6 of Fig. 4:; Fig. 7, a like view on the line77 of Fig. 3; Fig. 8, a cross-section of the solenoid, taken on the line 8 8, Fig. 1; Fig. 9, a horizontal section on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7; Fig. 10, a detail view of the range-scale; and Fig. 11, a

sectional view of one of the contact-arms,.

taken on the line 11 11 of Fig. 1.

Our invention has for its main object the production of an accurate and sensitive signaling apparatus, it being peculiarly adapted to a range-finder, in which an indicator or the like located at one station will be made to automatically and accurately follow the movements of a telescope located at a remote station, the indicator preferably moving over a plotting board or table and working in conjunction with a second telescope carrying a range-scale.

The indicator or signaling device is moved through the agency of an armature, the position of the latter being controlled by the action of current passing through two solenoids common to the armature, any variations in the current passing to the solenoids being automatically regulated by the movement of an instrument (such as a telescope) at a remote point, or, as in the case of a range-finder, by the movement of the telescope at the primary station. The arrangement is such that the indicator will at alltimes maintain its fixed relation to the telescope, following the movements thereof with exactness and promptitude, and this without requiring any attention upon the part of the observer and without intervention of a mechanical motor or movements.

A pair of rheostats is employed at the primary station, said rheostats being connected in series with the solenoids of the armature, so that any variations in the intensity of the current affect both rheostats and solenoids alike, thereby insuring the working of the instrument and indicator in perfect unison, notwithstanding such variations.

The invention is shown in the accompanying drawings as applied to a range-finder, though it is to be understood that in its generic sense it is applicable to any signaling mechanism employing two stations.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, let A denote the pri mary observing-station and B the secondary or battery-station placed, as usual, at the ends of a measured or known base-line. At the primary station are arranged two rheostatsC and D, one end of rheostat C being electrically connected by a wire or line E with one end of the coil or winding of a sinistrorsal or left-hand solenoid Fat the battery-station, while one-end of rheostat D is connected by a wire or line G with a dextrorsal or righthand solenoid H, both of said solenoids being arc-shaped and arranged upon a suitable base or ring Iat the secondary observing-station B. The opposite ends of the solenoids are connected to the positive side of a source of electrical energy I-as, for instance, a battery-the opposite side or pole of said battery being in turn in electrical connection with a plate or ring J, (see Fig. 9,) suitably mounted upon the stand or support J, which carries the rheostats. Connected to said plate or ring are arms K and L, the outer ends thereof being provided with rolling contacts, as shown in Figs. 3 and 11, which make contact with the rhe stats C and l). A telescope covering a given field of lireis rigidly clamped to said arms, and any movement of the telescope will vary the position of the arms with reference to their respective rhcostats, cutting out or including more or less resistance, and consequentlyincreasing the How of current through one of the solenoids and at the same time decreasing the amount of current passing through the other solenoid. This change in volume of current in the solenoids controls the movement and relative position of the ring-shaped armattu'e M, which is common to said solenoids. This armature will by preference be circular in cross-section and supported at intervals upon rollers N or other suitable devices which will facilitate the easy movement thereof in response to variations of current in the solenoids. A stringO, preferably of silk, is connected at one end to the armature and at its opposite extremity to a point P, which is the exact centerof the circle formed by the solenoids and armature. Said point P must also lie in the plotted position of the primary station, and being fixed it of course becomes necessary to adjust the solenoids and armature so that the point may be truly centered with reference to these parts. To this end the solenoids and armature-supports may be mounted upon a stiff plate or ring N, which ring or plate may be adjusted through the agency of suitable screws S or any other means which will accomplish the end in view.

Any movement in azimuth of the telescope at the primary station will be indicated at the battery or secondary station by the silk string or thread, the position of the two corresponding at all times.

The support J for the rheostats, the tele scope, and its accessories rests upon a shelf or bracket J, which extends beneath the same from the main supporting-frame. Suitable threaded rods J are pivotally connected at their inner ends to said support J, each rod passing through a threaded bearing-Mock J", swiveled in the main frame. By properly manipulating these rods or screws the telescope can be accurately oriented.

A board l having an azimuth circle thereon, is provided at the primary station, and an indicating-arm J is also employed.

To facilitate the manipulation of the telescope and to accurately adjust the same when the instruments at the two stations are to be brought into exact accord, we employ the mechanism shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 6. As will be seen upon reference to said figures and also Fig. 3. the lower end of the telescope-su mort is provided with a gear K, which meshes with a worm K mounted upon a shaft K, said shaft being journaled in a frame K, which is normally pressed toward the gear by a spring K. A frame K is pivoted to a bracket K secured to the support J, the inner end of the shaft K passing into an inclined slot K formed in one member of the frame, while the other end of the shaft passes through a similar slot formed in the other end of the frame. Upon depressing the frame by applying pressure to the thumbpiece K the shaft K is caused to move laterally, carrying the worm out of engagement with the gear, and thereby permitting the telescope to freely move about its axis. Shaft K has secured to its outer end a disk or wheel K having a micrometer-scale formed upon its periphery, said wheel being likewise provided with a handle to facilitate the rotation thereof. An index or pointer K is located adjacent to the scale. By manipulation of the wheel the telescope may be readily caused to follow any moving target, and by use of the scale the telescope may be accurately set by adjusting the apparatus at the primary and battery stations, it being understood that the same arrangement for adjusting the telescopes is employed at both stations.

Plate N, which supports the solenoids and armature, rests upon a second ring or plate N, in turn supported by an inwardly-projecting bracket or member N". Said plate N may be adjusted in a horizontal direction by suitable screws S similar to those described in connection with the primary station. A telescope Q is carried by the plate N and is accurately oriented over the end of the base-line at the lmttery-station. .Axially in line with and rigidly attached to the base of said telescope isa range-scale R, graduated to yards on the as sumed scale to which the sector-shaped plotting-lmard is drawn. The range-scale will preferably be provided with ball-bearings, as shown in Fig. 5, in order to facilitate its easy and accurate movement over the plottingboard. In fact, any well-known or usual devices which tend to reduce frictional resistance may and will be employed throughout the apparatus.

In following any given target, with both telescopes within the range limits of the plotting-board, there will be a point on said board at which the string or indicator and the rangescale will intersect, and the range may be read from the graduated scale R.

The azimuth of the target from the batterystation may be read from an azimuth-circle centered on said battery or secondary station, the circle being drawn in ink or otherwise appearing on the plotting-board N, adjustably mounted upon the ring or plate N This apparatus renders unnecessary the use of any telephonic communication between stations, though a telephone or equivalent mechanism may be employed to designate the target being tracked.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the necessity for the use of any accomplishing this result is shown in Figs. 7

and 9.

A powerful current may be employed, and however variable its intensity the fact that the parts are connected in direct series andare therefore in absolute balance precludes the possibility of the apparatus getting out of adjustment. This electrical balance of the parts also renders the instrument extremely sensitive in operation.

If found desirable, resistance-boxes may be placed in the circuits, as indicated at R and R Fig. 1.

Practical application of the system contemplates the use of two primary stations as far apart as practicable, at each of which booths will be erected to the number of one-half that of the batteries at the fort. Each battery is electrically connected with the more distant of the primary stations in order to secure the longest possible base-line. Each booth at the primary stations must be supplied with an observer, but no plotting-board is necessary at these points. An observer and plotter are, however, required at each battery-station.

Only one azimuth-circle is necessary to give the azimuth of the target from the battery.

As before observed, no telephone or other means of communication between observers is required for transmission of information regarding position of target, and no calculations, such as are usually necessary in electrically-actuated range-finders, need bemade. Consequently no confusion will arise.

The battery-station may be so located with reference to the guns that the desired information in regard to the position of the target may be communicated to those in charge of the guns by means of a blackboard or the like.

It is, of course, to be understood that the details of the apparatus may be widely varied from those herein illustrated. For instance, the winding of the solenoids may be changed to accord with the battery connections and consequent flow or direction of travel of the current.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is 1. In anapparatus of the character specified, the combination of a primary station; a secondary station, remote therefrom; an azimuth indicator at the secondary station;

means for automatically positioning said indicator from the primary station; a telescope mounted in the secondary station; and a rangescale rigidly aflixed to said telescope and movable therewith, said scale working in conjunction with the indicator.

2. In an apparatus of the character specified, the combination of a primary station; a telescope located at said station; a secondary station; an azimuth-indicator at said secondary station; a plurality of solenoids located at said station; an armature common to said solenoids and controlling the movements of the indicator; and means controlled by the movement of the telescope at the primary station for varying the volume of current passing through the solenoids.

3. In an apparatus of the character specified, the combination of a pair of solenoids; an armature common thereto; a pair of rheostats connected to the solenoids in series; and means for varying the amount of current passing through the rheostats.

4. In an apparatus of the character specified, the combination of a pair of arc-shaped solenoids; a ring-shaped armature common thereto; an indicator connected at one end to the armature and having its opposite end held in line with the center of the circle of the armature; a telescope; and means, controlled by the movements in azimuth of said telescope for varying the volume or strength of current passing to the solenoids.

5. In a range-finder, the combination of two telescopes positioned at the ends of a fixed or known base-line; a range-scale rigidly secured to one of said telescopes and moving therewith in azimuth; a movable indicator working adjacent to said scale; and electrical means, controlled by the movement of the second telescope in azimuth, for actuating said indicator.

6. In a range-finder, employing a known base-line, the combination of a telescope oriented at one end of said line; a range-scale movable therewith in azimuth; a ring-shaped armature; aplurality of solenoids acting upon said armature; an indicator having one end connected to said armature and itsopposite end positioned at the center of the circle described by said armature; a second telescope mounted at the opposite end of the base-line; and electrical means controlled by the movement in azimuth of said second telescope for controlling the amount or volume of current passing through the solenoids.

7. In a range-finder, employing a known base-line, the combination of a telescope oriented at one end of said line; a range-scale movable therewith in azimuth; a ring-shaped armature located adjacent to said telescope; a string connected at one end to said armature and having its opposite end secured ata point coincident with the center of the circle described by the armature; a pair of solenoids common to said armature; aseeond telescope mounted at the opposite end of the baseline; a pair of rheostats arranged adjacent to said telescope, said. rheostats being respectively connected to the solenoids; and means movable with said telescope in azimuth for controllingthe action of the rheostats and con sequently the volume of current passing through the solenoids.

8. In a range-finder, the combination of a pair of solenoids; an armature common to said solenoids; an indicator connected to and movable by said armature; and means for proportionately increasing or decreasing the volume of current passing to one of the solenoids as the same is decreased or increased in the other.

9. In a range-finder, the combination of a pair of solenoids; an armature common to said solenoid; a plate for supporting said solenoids and armature; means for securing adjustment of said plate; an indicator connected at one end to said armature and at its opposite end to a fixed point; and means for passing current to said solenoids, substantially as described.

10. In a range-finder employing a known base-line, the combination of a pair of areshaped solenoids; a ring-shaped armature common thereto; an adjustable support carrying said solenoids and armature; an indicator connected at one end to the armature and having its opposite end held at a fixed point; a telescope located at one end of the base-line; and means, controlled by the movements in azimuth of said telescope, for varying the volume or strength of current passing to the solenoids.

11. In a range-finder employing a known base-line, the combination of a telescope oriented at one end of said line; a range-scale movable therewith in azimuth; a ring-shaped armature; a plurality of solenoids acting upon said armature; an adjustable support for said armature and the solenoids; an indicator having one end connected to said armature and its opposite end positioned at the plotted position of the primary station; a second telescope mounted at the opposite end of the baseline or at the primary station; and electrical means, controlled by the movements in azimuth of saidsecond telescope. for controlling the amount or volume of current passing through the solenoids.

12. In an apparatus of the character specified, the combination of a pair of solenoids; an armature common thereto; a rheostat for each solenoid, the rheostats being connected in series with their respective solenoids; and means for increasing the efl'ect of one rheostat as that of the other is proportionately decreased, and vice versa.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification in the presence of subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES A. JUNKEN. VILLIAM B. TR-EDWELL.

Witnesses to the signature of Charles A.

Junken:

E. W. Hour, J NO. W. BLAGKMORE.

Witnesses to the signature of lVilliam B. Tredwell:

SoL. J. HYMAN, SooT'r MARION. 

